Privacy & Surveillance in District of Columbia (2026)

2 rules on the books across District of Columbia, 1 city or county. Select a rule to read the full details.

Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions

Security Camera Rules

Rules about where residential security cameras can point, whether they can record neighbors' property, audio recording consent requirements, and HOA restrictions on camera placement.

Washington

Light Restrictions

In Washington, D.C., homeowners may run security cameras on their own property without a permit or police registry. The…

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License Plate Readers

Rules governing automated license plate readers (ALPR) operated by police and HOAs, including data-retention limits, sharing restrictions, and audit requirements.

Washington

Some Restrictions

Washington, D.C.'s license plate recognition systems, the cameras that log every plate they scan and check it against…

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